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Living a Blissful and Domestic lifeFri, 09 Dec 2016 03:02:29 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1Easy Slow Cooker Apple Pie Fillinghttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/easy-slow-cooker-apple-pie-filling/149111/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/easy-slow-cooker-apple-pie-filling/149111/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 02:54:27 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149111One of the topics I’ve talked about previously here on Blissfully Domestic is the importance of being organized when it comes to holiday entertaining. I put together this checklist for Thanksgiving some time ago, but it really does apply to all holidays when you are entertaining at home. One thing that many people overlook is […]

One of the topics I’ve talked about previously here on Blissfully Domestic is the importance of being organized when it comes to holiday entertaining. I put together this checklist for Thanksgiving some time ago, but it really does apply to all holidays when you are entertaining at home. One thing that many people overlook is how many appliances, burners, and how much oven space is needed to cook their holiday meal. Anything that can be prepared or made in advance, even a day or two beforehand, is essential to ensuring that things run smoothly on the day you have guests coming over.

I have the added problem of ensuring I’m catering to one of my kids who is on a gluten-free diet, whilst the other kids don’t enjoy the taste of a lot of gluten-free items so the more that I can make ahead of time, the better, especially when it comes to baked goods and needing to make two of everything.

This apple pie filling pretty much cooks itself. You can make it a couple of days in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to use it. I tend to do a loaded apple crumble with this mixture, or spoon it into a puff pastry tart shell.

Ingredients

6 large red apples

1/2 cup apple cider – I used an apple pomegranate cider for the extra flavor

1 tbs agave sweetener

2 cinnamon sticks – or 1tsp of cinnamon

Directions

peel and core the apples, and then dice into smaller pieces (about 1 inch)

in a bowl whisk together the agave sweetener and apple cider (and cinnamon powder if using instead of cinnamon sticks)

place the apples in the slow cooker, pour the cider mixture over the top, and then place cinnamon sticks either side of the slow cooker

cook on low for 4 hours

allow to cool, and then refrigerate until ready to use

Tip: If your apples release a lot of extra liquid, strain the liquid into a pan and thicken with a cornstarch or flour slurry before spooning your apple mixture into the pie shells.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/easy-slow-cooker-apple-pie-filling/149111/feed/010 DIY Christmas Ornaments You Can Make with Your Kidshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/popular/10-diy-christmas-ornaments-you-can-make-with-your-kids/140796/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/popular/10-diy-christmas-ornaments-you-can-make-with-your-kids/140796/#commentsThu, 01 Dec 2016 21:53:35 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=140796Do you smell that? Mmmm…that’s the smell of fresh baked sugar cookies and gingerbread men coming out of the oven. Do you see that? Wow! I can see twinkling lights and stockings hung by the fire. I’m daydreaming, of course, but it’s Christmastime!! It’s time to pull out the totes of Christmas decorations. It’s time […]

]]>Do you smell that? Mmmm…that’s the smell of fresh baked sugar cookies and gingerbread men coming out of the oven. Do you see that? Wow! I can see twinkling lights and stockings hung by the fire. I’m daydreaming, of course, but it’s Christmastime!! It’s time to pull out the totes of Christmas decorations. It’s time to dig through our favorite cookbooks and find those yummy recipes we make year after year. It’s time to make memories with our kids and make some new Christmas ornaments for the tree.

Today I’ve got ten DIY ornaments you can make with your kids. They’re easy enough for all ages. So, pick your favorites, make a list, head out to the craft store and pick up the supplies needed to have an afternoon of ornament making. {You may already have the supplies in your craft closet if you’re an all-things-craft hoarder, like me.} Then, decorate your Christmas tree with your new creations.

/1/ Reindeer Thumbprint Ornament – Crystal is one of the most creative girls I know. Let her show you how to make this cute reindeer ornament that’ll create a lasting print of your little ones.

/2/ Handprint Reindeer Ornament – SheKnows shows us how to put together this cute little guy. Make this year after year to see how your kids grow. What a keepsake!

/3/ Handprint Snowmen Ornament – I made these with my kids a few years ago. Each year, when I pull them out of the ornament box I get a little teary. My babies are all growing up.

/4/ Photo Ornament – How about making one of these for each of the grandparents? You can let the little ones either do the stamping or you can have them write their name with a fabric pen.

/5/ Polaroid Ornament – Okay, okay, this one isn’t something the kids can make really…unless you have a young one who can sew…but, how could I not share this one with you.

/6/ Birdseed Ornament – You and the kids could even make a little something for your feathered friends. These birdseed ornaments made by Six Cherries On Top are the cutest!

/7/ Jolly Elves – Everyone has their favorite something to decorate with at Christmas. My favorites are Elves and Nutcrackers. I’ll for sure be making these with my kids this year!

/9/ Flower Embellished Ornaments – You can use any type of flowers {found in the scrapbook section} or you can cut little pieces of felt in shapes and pin them on. Use one color or multiple colors to make it all your own.

There are SO MANY Christmas Ornaments that can be made with your kids. It’s our job as parents to make memories with our children. So, don’t delay. Make your way to your craft closet or the craft store and start making ornaments today!

Do you have a favorite ornament that you and your children made together?? Will you share a picture with us on our Facebook page? How about a memory? What’s your favorite childhood memory of Christmastime? Will you share with us in the comments?

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/popular/10-diy-christmas-ornaments-you-can-make-with-your-kids/140796/feed/1Are You Ready To Fight Screen Addiction?http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/ready-fight-screen-addiction/149120/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/ready-fight-screen-addiction/149120/#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 15:25:24 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149120(Sponsored): Blissfully Domestic is partnering with KidzVuz to spread the word about TeenSafe #FightScreenAddiction. We received some cool stuff in exchange for our support, but all opinions are our own, of course! I have three children. My oldest has just turned 21, and my youngest two (twins) are 10. Screen addiction is something that I have […]

(Sponsored): Blissfully Domestic is partnering with KidzVuz to spread the word about TeenSafe #FightScreenAddiction. We received some cool stuff in exchange for our support, but all opinions are our own, of course!

I have three children. My oldest has just turned 21, and my youngest two (twins) are 10. Screen addiction is something that I have battled with regularly over the years.

I’ve found it’s become harder as they get older and require computers more regularly for homework assignments and research, but I’ve always encouraged a healthy balance in our home. Have you noticed that one of the questions pediatrician’s ask when doing annual physical exams is how much screen time is your child getting? That was my first indication that I need to stay on top of this and encourage balance and set boundaries. Some of the things we do in our home to get off the screens are:

Reading is something I encourage a lot, especially at the end of the day. The kids’ borrow books each week from the school library, and although I was supplementing extra material by downloading books to the Kindle app on their iPads I caught one of the children watching videos and playing games a little too often during reading time and so we decided that memberships to our local library were in order to borrow books on a regular basis.

Do you know what’s going on in your community? Subscribe to your local news and online websites to keep up-to-date with what is happening in and around your community. You will often find great information for local festivals, markets, free days, special family events, and discounts on things to do where you live.

Want to know what you can do to fight screen addiction and keep a balance online and offline?

TeenSafe is an invaluable service that allows parents to monitor their child’s iPhone or Android smartphone as well as view activity on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Kik Messenger. When you sign into TeenSafe, your teen’s smartphone data will be available for you to view. TeenSafe offers complete security and only you can access your child’s data.

Screen addiction can impact a child’s social development, school performance, and even their safety. But how do we protect our children when we live in a screen-obsessed culture, with smartphones glued to our fingers and edutech invading our classrooms?

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/ready-fight-screen-addiction/149120/feed/0A Pomegranate Pear Cocktail for the Holidayshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pomegranate-pear-cocktail-holidays/149087/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pomegranate-pear-cocktail-holidays/149087/#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 22:28:27 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149087The holidays are quickly approaching and if you are anything like me you tend to over-prepare with lists, menus, and your favorite recipes compiled, right down to pre-dinner cocktails … which of course require pre-holiday sampling, especially whilst decorating. Well, let me share a very festive cocktail with you that will make the perfect addition […]

The holidays are quickly approaching and if you are anything like me you tend to over-prepare with lists, menus, and your favorite recipes compiled, right down to pre-dinner cocktails … which of course require pre-holiday sampling, especially whilst decorating.

Well, let me share a very festive cocktail with you that will make the perfect addition to your holiday bar cart. The best part is that part of it can be made a day or two ahead of time, the rest is put together in no time at all, bringing out your inner mixologist and impressing your guests.

A Pomegranate Pear Cocktail

Ingredients (per cocktail)

2oz Vodka

2oz pear puree – 2 pears and 2oz simple syrup

2oz pomegranate juice

garnish: pomegranate arils, fresh pear slices, fresh mint

ice

Instructions

Make the pear puree first, which can be made a day or two in advance. Remove the skin from the pears, dice, and pop into a saucepan with the simple syrup, stirring occasionally until soft, and then mash. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Place a little ice into a glass

In a cocktail shaker add about a cup of ice, the vodka, pear puree, and pomegranate juice. Shake, shake, shake …

Pour over ice in the glass and garnish with fresh pear slices, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pomegranate-pear-cocktail-holidays/149087/feed/0Why I Still Send Holiday Cards by Snail Mail – And You Should Too!http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/holiday-cards-minted/149092/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/holiday-cards-minted/149092/#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 18:04:25 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149092(Affiliate) Blissfully Domestic uses affiliate links in some of our content including this post. Holiday Cards: It’s that time of year again! Right after Thanksgiving, my kids and I feel the excitement of opening up our mailbox again! Who will we get a card from? How much have their kids grown? Who looks different? What […]

]]>(Affiliate) Blissfully Domestic uses affiliate links in some of our content including this post.

Holiday Cards: It’s that time of year again! Right after Thanksgiving, my kids and I feel the excitement of opening up our mailbox again! Who will we get a card from? How much have their kids grown? Who looks different? What exciting news will we hear? Wow, one card more original than the other! We appreciate all of them so much that we even put them on display and look at them all the time. At the end of the season, we have a hard time bringing them down!

With so much technology, this is the one tradition that I will not give up! My computer and phone are flooded with emails, texts and more all day long. The old-fashioned mailbox is often filled with junk mail and bills. But in December, it’s our chance to get back to basics and once again feel the excitement of tried and true snail mail as the Holiday Cards start arriving.

The other day I got my first minted.com catalog of the season. My cue to conquer the holiday card! I personally LOVE minted.com because the cards are not only beautiful but they have such an amazing selection. In just a few easy steps, you can create beautiful keepsakes that everyone will cherish!

Minted offers everything from smart and chic to luxe letterhead and the perfect style and card for every budget. You can use one or multiple photos. There are different themes, layouts and an incredibly large variety of printing types from flat to custom. And best of all, Minted now offers FREE custom Minted envelopes and FREE recipient addressing. What a great feature to give you that added little help this holiday season.

The most difficult decision will be choosing the right combination of photo, layout, font and greeting. But don’t fear, that’s where minted.com makes it super SIMPLE! Just upload the photos and use the Find it Fast option. See lots of choices in a just a minutes! There’s even a gold foil pressed option – truly stand out this season with hand-pressed real foil – WOW! Click here to give it a try!

Here are some of my favorite holiday cards. Which one will I choose this year? The classic, gold pressed, the new year’s card, etc?

It’s easy to get lost in the unique designs at minted.com but oh-so-fun! I love creating my perfect holiday card. I hope you have fun too! Don’t forget to look at all the other great stuff from Minted. There’s custom wrapping paper for all events with coordinating stickers, and photo art for your home.

Browse all the wonderful gifts for grandparents, spouse and kids. Minted.com really has an amazing selection to choose from and so much more than just cards!

Here is my favorite gift that I created this year – a priceless memory for my mom. Check out this amazing Heart Snapshot! My family and I compiled lots of different pictures from her life. We included everything from her baby photo, her parents, getting married, special moments, her kids, her grandkids and more. What a special keepsake. I can’t wait to wrap and deliver the package!

Depending on when you are reading this, you may be able to take advantage of :

or the Giveaway being offered for a limited time this December.

**We have a few affiliate links in this post – this does not mean you pay a dime more for the product when you purchase through our link. It just means we made it easier for you to find what you might like, so we make a few cents if you purchase. We SO appreciate when you support Blissfully Domestic. Thank you!!**

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/holiday-cards-minted/149092/feed/05 Decadent Winter Dessertshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/5-decadent-winter-desserts/133516/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/5-decadent-winter-desserts/133516/#commentsWed, 23 Nov 2016 18:39:16 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=133516The snow is falling, the fire is crackling and you’re snuggled under your quilt wondering what to make for the book club meeting. Not just any dessert will do for these girls; you need decadence and frill. From finger foods to oh-so-smashing cakes these wintertime desserts will impress your guests! 1. White Chocolate Snowdrift Cake […]

]]>The snow is falling, the fire is crackling and you’re snuggled under your quilt wondering what to make for the book club meeting. Not just any dessert will do for these girls; you need decadence and frill. From finger foods to oh-so-smashing cakes these wintertime desserts will impress your guests!

Drag out your crockpot, girls, and use up that winter crop of apples and pears! I really like that this recipe doesn’t take up extra space in the oven, making it the perfect winter dessert for those evenings when you’re cooking for a crowd. Or, set it to cook while you cheer for the kids’ hockey team and come home to a good warm-you-up treat!

Finger foods are fun, no matter your age! Puppy chow isn’t just a kid’s treat, grownups like it too and it’s sure to be a huge hit at your next get together. Serve up this decadent treat in individual party cups or plop a festive bowl of them on the coffee table and serve up hot cocoa in fancy glasses.

Oh, New Orleans! It was in your lovely French District that I fell in love with Beignets. Now I can make them at home in my own oven! How I look forward to delighting my guests with these sugar-dusted treats and mugs of fresh brewed hazelnut coffee.

No dessert list would be complete without a decadent cupcake and these buttercream frosted beauties are a winter treat for your taste buds. The pomegranates and cranberries paired with cinnamon and nutmeg are sure to warm you up inside.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/5-decadent-winter-desserts/133516/feed/1Mini chocolate & coconut mini eclairshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/mini-chocolate-coconut-mini-eclairs/147651/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/mini-chocolate-coconut-mini-eclairs/147651/#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 01:04:19 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=147651A few years ago I was working in a pastry shop that mainly sold éclairs. There were about a billion different flavours and 3 sizes: the regular one, the tiny one and the small one, known as “baby” éclair. Needless to say, baby éclairs were my favourite, aside from having the cutest name in the […]

A few years ago I was working in a pastry shop that mainly sold éclairs. There were about a billion different flavours and 3 sizes: the regular one, the tiny one and the small one, known as “baby” éclair. Needless to say, baby éclairs were my favourite, aside from having the cutest name in the world, they also have the perfect size for snacking and trying different flavours.

These baby/mini éclairs are filled with whipped coconut cream and chocolate ganache.

They’re also dipped into melted chocolate.

And sprinkled with flaked coconut.

And da-da! the cutest and most delicious French dessert is ready to be devoured!

Notes:

You can freeze the (piped) choux pastry and bake it when you are ready (no need for defrosting).

Choux pastry recipes usually suggest to baking at 180 or 200 C (350-400 F), but that just doesn’t work well in my oven, so I baked them at 160 C (320 F). If you have already baked choux pastry in your oven and it turned out well at higher temperatures, just stick with the temperature that worked for your oven. If you’ve never made choux pastry, start at 160 C and do a small trial batch.

Recipe

Choux pastry:

Ingredients

1/4 cup water / 50 g water

1/4 cup milk / 50 g milk (whole or half fat)

1/4 cup butter (or 1/2 stick) / 45 g butter

1/2 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour / 60 g flour

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp salt

2 eggs

Instructions:

Whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.

Place the water, milk and butter into a medium sized pan and bring to a boil.

Remove from the heat. Add the flour mixture, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a soft bowl of dough forms and pulls away from the side of the pan (heat again if necessary).

Transfer to the bowl of a food processor (or a normal bowl if using a hand mixer).

Turn on your mixer and add one egg at a time, until perfectly combined. The dough should look smooth and glossy.

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (16 mm diameter).

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/mini-chocolate-coconut-mini-eclairs/147651/feed/0Sparkling Wine Types for Holiday Entertaininghttp://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/sparkling-wine-types-holiday-entertaining/149046/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/sparkling-wine-types-holiday-entertaining/149046/#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 14:59:22 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149046The holidays are here and it’s time to break open the sparkling wine! Celebrating this time of year with family and friend’s is one of life’s joys. But what exactly should you serve your guests when you are entertaining at home? Walking into a wine store and trying to figure out which bottle of sparkling […]

The holidays are here and it’s time to break open the sparkling wine! Celebrating this time of year with family and friend’s is one of life’s joys. But what exactly should you serve your guests when you are entertaining at home? Walking into a wine store and trying to figure out which bottle of sparkling wine to choose can be overwhelming.

Luckily, hosts have many options when it comes to what to pour for their guests. Champagne? Prosecco? Cava? Sparkling wine? Maybe Moscato d’Asti? Here I am going to give you a brief lesson in Sparkling Wine 101 and some of the fabulous choices:

Champagne

Only sparkling wine made in Champagne, France, using the Traditional Method, is allowed to be called Champagne. These wines undergo a second fermentation, in the bottle, which is called the Traditional Method. This is how the bubbles develop, during this second fermentation. Normally the finer the bubbles, the better quality Champagne. Champagne comes in Vintage and Nonvintage. A Nonvintage Champagne is usually the “house” style of the producer, made with a blend of vintages (the year the grapes were picked). Vintage is Champagne from a single year’s harvest. A bottle of Champagne can range from $35 to $200 or more. For some delicious Champagne cocktails click (here)

Sparkling Wine
These are wines with bubbles made in a wine producing region, other than Champagne, France! So you can buy a beautiful, sparkling wine from France that is top notch but just can’t be called Champagne because…it’s not from Champagne, France! These wines may be less expensive than Champagne even though many go through a second fermentation in the bottle as well. You can find wonderful Sparkling Wines from New Mexico to Germany! A quality sparkling wine can start at $10 a bottle and up.

Prosecco
Everyone loves Prosecco! Easy drinking and affordably priced, Prosecco is Italy’s version of sparkling wine. It comes from the Veneto region of Italy and made with the Glera grape. This exotic sounding grape must make up a minimum of 85% of Prosecco. Whereas Champagne and Sparkling Wine are made with familiar varietals (the grape type) such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Italy has their own native grape that is used. The reason Prosecco tends
to be more affordable is due to the second fermentation taking place in a large, pressurized tank. This is called the Tank Method (many of the affordable Sparkling Wines are produced this way as well). A quality Prosecco can range from $10 to $35 for a limited production, highest quality bottle.

For recipes to make festive Prosecco cocktails click here: BBCGppdFood

Cava
If you haven’t tried Cava, I highly recommend you do. Cava is a Traditional Method sparkling wine from Spain at very reasonable price points here in the U.S. Cava was modeled off of Champagne in France. Cava is produced primarily in the Catalonia Region of Spain, near Barcelona. Impress your friends at your next party by informing them that the Cava you are serving is made from the grapes Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada! One of my personal favorites to sip is a Cava Rose, delicious!! Cava ranges in price from $8 to $30 a bottle. To learn more about Cava click here: Cava

Moscato d’ Asti
Back to Italy for some Moscato d’ Asti. Asti is a fully sparkling wine made from the Moscato grape and Moscato d’ Asti is a less bubbly, or fizzy, version of it. These wines tend to be sweet and have a lower alcohol level than other sparkling wines. The town of Asti in the Piedmont region is where Asti comes from (Old World wines are named after their town of origin). Prices range from $10 to $25 per bottle.

With plenty of sparkling wine options and price ranges, why not try something new and exciting this year? Serve any of these choices at your holiday party, your guests will thank you. Cheers!!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/sparkling-wine-types-holiday-entertaining/149046/feed/0How To Choose the Best Size Chandelier for your Dining Room.http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/find-right-size-chandelier-dinning-room/147460/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/find-right-size-chandelier-dinning-room/147460/#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 02:16:05 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=147460Picking the right light fixture for your dining room, foyer or entry hall can be confusing and difficult. Then, once you have figured out the right size, then you have to decide the perfect height. There are universal rules for you to consider to make the process easier. (PC: HGTV) Follow these easy tips to […]

Picking the right light fixture for your dining room, foyer or entry hall can be confusing and difficult. Then, once you have figured out the right size, then you have to decide the perfect height. There are universal rules for you to consider to make the process easier.

(PC: HGTV)

Follow these easy tips to ensure your room is well lit and comfortable for your guests to enjoy.

If you’ve just moved into a new home and haven’t picked out dining room furniture, but want to start with a lighting fixture, simply add the length and width measurements of the room together. The number you get is the right size diameter a chandelier should be. For example, if your dining room is 12′ x 12′, a 24″ diameter chandelier would look great.

But If you already have a table, it is more important to size the chandelier to the table rather than the room. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your chandelier is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table.

For the right hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, adjusting to work with the size of the table and the overall scale of your space.

(PC: HGTV)

Once you’ve determined the size of the chandelier you need, it’s important to ensure it casts the right amount of light to create a warm, soft glow over your delicious feast. A dimmer switch is a great addition to help adjust lighting as needed. Since the dining room table can serve many functions, a dimmer will allow you to create a brighter more directly lit space to accommodate crafts, homework, etc when required.

Chandelier shades are another great option to allow for flexible styling and lighting. Easily switch up your look throughout the year— deeper and warmer tones for fall, lighter and cooler ones for spring.

(PC: Houzz)

Lastly, if you have room for a buffet in your dining room, consider wall sconces or small lamps on either side, this will ensure your food is well lit while allowing the table to be dimmer and cozier.

(PC: Memorabledecor.com)

Pulling these tips together will make sure your space is perfectly lit for everyone to enjoy!

What are your favorite rules and guidelines to ways to light up your rooms?

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/find-right-size-chandelier-dinning-room/147460/feed/05 Things you can do to make this your most Organized Holiday ever!http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-to-make-this-your-most-organized-holiday-ever/147312/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-to-make-this-your-most-organized-holiday-ever/147312/#respondMon, 21 Nov 2016 22:53:37 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=147312This is a follow up to our popular Organized Thanksgiving Post. Preparing ahead of time allows you to slow down & enjoy the busy holiday season. Let us help you navigate through the next few hectic weeks… Update the family calendar for the next two months. Add all dates to your family calendar necessary over […]

This is a follow up to our popular Organized Thanksgiving Post. Preparing ahead of time allows you to slow down & enjoy the busy holiday season. Let us help you navigate through the next few hectic weeks…

Update the family calendar for the next two months.

Add all dates to your family calendar necessary over the next two months:

Class Parties

School Concerts

Church Services / Pageants

Family Gatherings

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Holiday Parties

Office Gatherings

This is absolutely crucial to maintaining any sense of order at all during the holidays. Be sure sit down to dinner with your family soon so that you can go over these dates and double-check that you haven’t forgotten about anyone’s particular event. It’s also crucial to maintain only ONE calendar so that everyone is working from the same information. Multiple calendars allow for confusion & double booking which are two things you don’t want in your life especially during the holidays!

Purchase some of these gifts throughout the year so that you are ahead of the game when the Holidays approach. I also suggest that you give out these “smaller” gifts earlier in the season so that they can be enjoyed throughout rather than waiting until closer to the Holiday(s) themselves. It’s also fun to receive gifts throughout December rather than right before leaving for a break or up to the actual Holiday itself. Spread out the love & notice how happy you are as you take the time to enjoy the spirit of giving.

Say Cheese!

Take your holiday photo & order your cards soon if you haven’t already. Try a different background this year!

It’s always a GREAT feeling when you know you’ve got a good “Holiday Photo”. Gather your family (don’t forget the pets) and snap away. Sometimes the best photos are the ones that aren’t “staged”… lighten up and show how much fun you have with your family this year. You will be so happy when you have your cards ordered (and likely delivered) prior to Thanksgiving, yippee!

Update your Holiday Card Mailing List

Pull out last year’s holiday card list; make any changes:

New Address

Name Change

Additions

Family Additions

Don’t forget to look through any school, church or volunteer organization directories for any names you would like to add!

This is a great activity to do when you’ve just poured yourself a cup of coffee (or tea) and you have some time to focus on this part of the Holidays. Be sure to have your computer nearby so that you can update from last years “new addresses” or make some calls/send emails so that you know you are using the most up to date addresses for your Holiday correspondence.

Buy Holiday Stamps

Go to the post office and purchase holiday stamps (before they run out!). I waited too long to get my stamps a few years ago and was really bummed out as I put my boring “regular” stamps on my cards a few weeks later… just get them today (or order them online at USPS.com) and you’ll be all set!

Sit back & enjoy some Black Friday Shopping!

Be ready for some holiday deals & take advantage of the many free shipping opportunities & order your gifts online. I haven’t set foot in a mall to do my Holiday shopping in well over a decade & I don’t miss it one bit. Make your life even easier & have your gifts shipped directly to the recipient, give yourself a break whenever possible, it’s okay!

Talk with family members about possible gift ideas during Thanksgiving weekend & add the list to your Holiday file or notebook.

There is no perfect recipe for the Holidays, but it’s important to embrace the opportunity to dress up your house, table, kids & yourself. Thinking ahead makes a huge difference & it’s a big time (and energy) saver. Don’t set yourself up for failure this year, pace yourself & don’t say “yes” to everything either. Take your time, light a candle, smell the fresh pine & take the kids to see Santa. There is no arguing that there is a special spirit during the season so get out there and enjoy!

What other checklists and pages do you consider a must in Holiday Planning for your home? Do you have a checklist that you use again and again? We would love to know what works best for you year after year? In the meantime here are a few more FREE Downloads, enjoy!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-to-make-this-your-most-organized-holiday-ever/147312/feed/08 Great Gifts for the Man in your Lifehttp://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/8-great-gifts-for-the-man-in-your-life/147278/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/8-great-gifts-for-the-man-in-your-life/147278/#respondFri, 18 Nov 2016 02:30:22 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=147278Men are fun to purchase gifts for but it can be a challenge to find unique and fun items (most of them don’t need another tie). This selection of goodies are great for everyone & I’m sure that you can find something in this collection even for the man that has everything, enjoy! Custom Golf […]

Men are fun to purchase gifts for but it can be a challenge to find unique and fun items (most of them don’t need another tie). This selection of goodies are great for everyone & I’m sure that you can find something in this collection even for the man that has everything, enjoy!

These custom golf balls would be a really fun birthday gift for your significant other (or any other Golfer in your life). Each ball is customized with two lines of personalized text & they can also be packaged individually as party favors for a special soirée.

These 5/8 inch square cufflinks are available in many other states besides Texas & would stylishly display your heart on your sleeve. They can be personalized in over 30 colors with either a silver or gold option as well. You can also mix the states up if you’ve found yourself in a quandary and feel “displaced” yet at home somewhere else, so fun!

A drink holder even Wyatt Earp would’ve been proud to carry! Keep your beer at your fingertips and with a hidden back-side suede pocket for all your cash, you can keep your dinero close at hand. So, holster up, swagger in, and keep the party smokin’. Drink holder easily attaches to your belt or waistband, and the suede straps at the bottom of this leather beer holster tie comfortably to ensure a secure fit—so your favorite beverage will always be at the ready for that quick draw. Made of genuine black leather, and holds both cans and bottles.

This personalized leather can sleeve isn’t your average beverage cooler—this keepsake oozes sophistication. Give with a wink as a groomsmen or bridesmaid gift too. Choose from black or pink leather exterior, silver-tone trim and plush foam interior. Its glossy metal plaque can be custom-engraved with a name and date (up to two lines with a maximum of 15 characters per line). Each holds a 12-ounce can of your favorite drink. Measures 4″H and 3.5″ in diameter.

Welcome to the Eighth Wonder of the World, your very own Great Wall of Beer! This exclusive beer cap wall sign is just what your drinking space needs to take it above and beyond. Engraved with the name with of your choice along with “Great Wall of Beer” text, it is an awesome gift for worldly beer lovers. Crafted from 1/2″ thick pressed Birch wood, it is laser cut and engraved just for you. Stained by hand, you receive a sign worthy of your impressive home bar or man cave. Measuring 21″ x 16″ x 1/2″ this beer cap holder sign can hold up to 69 of your favorite beers bottle caps.

This set is the perfect gift for the Grill Master in your life. From artisan rubs and homemade sauces to grilling oils and cedar planks, the BBQ Trunk is perfect for anyone that loves to grill. Enjoy handpicked, small batch brands that put mass-market products to shame! All wrapped up beautifully in a vintage trunk.

It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you drink your brew! No matter what game you love, these pint glasses let you celebrate your favorite pastimes with some sporty style. Choose designs from football to hunting & personalize with up to two lines of customizable text and your choice of game detail, these beer glasses will have you raising your glass to that hole in one, touchdown, royal flush…well, you get the picture! Each 16 oz. Pint Glass includes 4 identical beer glasses, choice of sport design, and two lines of personalization. Cheers!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/8-great-gifts-for-the-man-in-your-life/147278/feed/0Pumpkin Mac & Cheese: The New Thanksgiving Side Dishhttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pumpkin-mac-cheese-new-thanksgiving-side-dish/149048/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pumpkin-mac-cheese-new-thanksgiving-side-dish/149048/#respondThu, 17 Nov 2016 14:06:50 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149048Mac & Cheese Please! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it will be time to gather with friends and family and indulge in all the delicious food. It’s very easy to make unhealthy choices during the holidays and we all regret them later on. Mac and Cheese is honestly one of my favorite side […]

Mac & Cheese Please!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it will be time to gather with friends and family and indulge in all the delicious food. It’s very easy to make unhealthy choices during the holidays and we all regret them later on. Mac and Cheese is honestly one of my favorite side dishes during the holidays because it’s always so comforting. Who can resist the cheesy gooey delicious dish?! I certainly cannot but I also do not want to add on several pounds to the waistline from one serving.

One of the wonderful flavors of the season is pumpkin and it’s so delicious in baked goods and very healthy! Adding this to the classic dish gives it a wonderful flavor and adds so many wonderful healthy benefits. This dish is much lighter in calories thanks to the pumpkin but still has all the comforting flavors we are all used to. The pumpkin flavor isn’t very pronounced so for those that do not like pumpkin that much they will still enjoy this dish. I love serving this in mini dishes so it keeps the portions under control and they are just so cute! This recipe can also be served in a large dish too.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/pumpkin-mac-cheese-new-thanksgiving-side-dish/149048/feed/0Good Manners for the Holidays in Four Easy Steps (Prep your kids with games that ACTUALLY work)http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/good-manners-for-the-holidays-in-four-easy-steps-prep-your-kids-with-games-that-actually-work/149027/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/good-manners-for-the-holidays-in-four-easy-steps-prep-your-kids-with-games-that-actually-work/149027/#respondWed, 16 Nov 2016 20:50:16 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149027‘Tis the season for giving, being grateful and holiday gatherings. Are your kids ready? Does your child know how to accept a gift gracefully? How to be a great host or guest? Write a kind thank-you note? Or do you sometimes feel as if you go to a family gathering with your fingers crossed – […]

‘Tis the season for giving, being grateful and holiday gatherings. Are your kids ready? Does your child know how to accept a gift gracefully? How to be a great host or guest? Write a kind thank-you note? Or do you sometimes feel as if you go to a family gathering with your fingers crossed – “Please let my child behave today”?

We all have those moments when our children embarrass us by not behaving properly. The possibilities of what can happen at a holiday gathering are endless! The best way to try to relax and enjoy the festivities is to offer your kids a pre-holiday refresher 101 course on being a good host and guest.

Don’t fear. Help is here! Prep your kids with these four game-changing rules to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Play these simple games to equip your kids with the confidence to interact during the holidays and, hopefully, not embarrass you! And the best part: no nagging required.

Step 1 – How to Be a Polite Host. It’s never too early to start teaching your child the art of being in charge! Talk to your child about how to act as a good host. There are a few simple basics to review:

Hello – Say hello to your friends at the door. Show them where to put their shoes or coats. If they have never met your family, introduce them and show them around.

Share the Rules – Let them know any special house or party rules. Maybe a certain room is off-limits. Is the dog-friendly? Is your brother’s toy off-limits?

Be Flexible – Try to be flexible on what to do. Come up with different activities and ask your friends what they would like to do.

Welcome – Make your friends and family feel welcome. Ask them if they would like a drink or something to eat.

Goodbye – Always follow your guest to the door to say goodbye (even if you would rather finish playing the rest of the video game or watching a little more of the TV show). And make sure you thank them for coming over.

Game Challenge: Play host with your child. Ask your child to think of different ways to make you feel welcome in their home. Role-play. You can also play bad host with your child and role-play the difference.

Step 2 – How to Be a Polite Guest. Does your child know how to be a respectful guest? Show your child how to be a considerate guest at someone’s house. A few simple rules can make everyone much more comfortable:

Hello – Say hello to everyone in the house. Take your shoes and coat off and ask where you should put them. Don’t just throw your stuff in a big pile in the hallway!

Learn and Follow the Rules – Make sure to do what your host asks. If your friend tells you that you cannot disturb his older brother, listen. Never wander around a house by yourself. Don’t jump on furniture.

Goodbye – Thank your host for inviting you over to his house or party.

Game Challenge: Let’s play charades! Ask your child to demonstrate how to be a bad guest and then how to be a good guest. Discuss the difference and which way could make everyone feel much more welcome and comfortable.

Step 3 – How to Accept a Gift Gracefully. Accepting a gift with kindness is an important skill, especially during the holidays. This first thing to teach your kids is to always say something positive about each gift. “What a cool toy.” “This is just what I wanted.” It’s also important to explain that they need to have a smile and a happy tone while opening gifts. There are a few rule-breakers to go over – Never ask how much something costs. Don’t put the gift aside and not say anything. And if someone didn’t bring a present, never embarrass them by asking where it is.

Game Challenge: Do you have tact? Teach your child to see the positive instead of focusing on the negative. Play the situation game with gift-giving. What would you do? Here’s a sample question. Then make up your own questions and answers.

For Christmas, your aunt gives you a sweater which you think is ugly. When she asks if you like it, what should you say?

a. Thanks, Aunt Peggy. I love the colors of the sweater.

b. I really don’t like this sweater. Can I return it?

c. Toss it aside and ignore her.

Step 4 – How to Write a Thank-You Note. A little note can make such a difference! Help your children understand that the purpose of a thank-you note is to let a person know how much his or her generosity and kindness are appreciated. It doesn’t have to be long – a brief, thoughtful note is all that you need.

Give your child a guide to help them write the card – simple steps. Being by talking about the gift. Say something positive. Have you used it? Did someone comment on it? What did you really like about it? Then thank them for coming to your house or thinking of them. To end the note, just thank them a second time.

Game Challenge: Who can come up with the most creative thank-you card? As a parent, we need to motivate our child to see the fun in writing thank-you notes. They can make homemade cards, take pictures/video messages, etc. Taking the time to write a thoughtful note is an important lesson in gratification. Please visit our website thesmartplaybook.com to download a great thank-you note guide.

Have fun playing it SMART this holiday season. I wish you all a wonderful holiday with very few embarrassing moments! Remember, manners do matter – in big ways and in small. It is a learning process for your children and it takes work, but it’s worth it!

Please visit http://www.thesmartplaybook.com to learn more about the award-winning activity books The SMART Playbook series. A complete holiday prep course for the entire family!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/good-manners-for-the-holidays-in-four-easy-steps-prep-your-kids-with-games-that-actually-work/149027/feed/016 Fall Containers for Gorgeous Porch Decorhttp://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/16-fall-containers-for-gorgeous-porch-decor/143338/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/16-fall-containers-for-gorgeous-porch-decor/143338/#commentsMon, 14 Nov 2016 11:09:12 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=143338Fall is the time many of us enjoy getting outdoors again, as summer heat gives way to more comfortable temperatures. Plus with fall inspiring so many gorgeous colors, it’s the perfect time to redo your porch containers. These beautiful fall containers will give you plenty of inspirations as you consider how to decorate your porch […]

]]>Fall is the time many of us enjoy getting outdoors again, as summer heat gives way to more comfortable temperatures. Plus with fall inspiring so many gorgeous colors, it’s the perfect time to redo your porch containers. These beautiful fall containers will give you plenty of inspirations as you consider how to decorate your porch for the autumn.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/16-fall-containers-for-gorgeous-porch-decor/143338/feed/120 Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece Ideashttp://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/20-thanksgiving-table-centerpieces-ideas/144055/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/20-thanksgiving-table-centerpieces-ideas/144055/#respondThu, 10 Nov 2016 12:07:18 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=144055Thanksgiving is right around the corner so it’s time to start deciding what your table will look like. Whimsical? Traditional? Natural colors? Themed colors? We have 20 of the best ideas from out and about to share with you today so take a look and pin your favorites for inspiration! Twine Light Bulb Pears by […]

Thanksgiving is right around the corner so it’s time to start deciding what your table will look like. Whimsical? Traditional? Natural colors? Themed colors? We have 20 of the best ideas from out and about to share with you today so take a look and pin your favorites for inspiration!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/20-thanksgiving-table-centerpieces-ideas/144055/feed/0Teach Yourself To Knit!http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/teach-yourself-to-knit/137068/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/teach-yourself-to-knit/137068/#respondThu, 10 Nov 2016 11:43:11 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=137068A friend recently asked if I would teach her daughter to knit. I knit rather simply as a stress reliever and can’t imagine I’d be very good at teaching anyone else, but I started thinking about the books I pored over as a teenager teaching myself knitting and crocheting. I wished back then that I […]

A friend recently asked if I would teach her daughter to knit. I knit rather simply as a stress reliever and can’t imagine I’d be very good at teaching anyone else, but I started thinking about the books I pored over as a teenager teaching myself knitting and crocheting. I wished back then that I had someone to actually show me the stitches as I attempted to master them.

So since I can’t teach the skill, I’ve found five easy to follow videos that should set anyone up with the basics of knitting! With a ball of yarn and a pair of needles (try a worsted weight yarn and a needle size that matches the number on the yarn label) you’ll be practicing your knits and purls in no time.

The Basics – a knitting overview:

Starting Your Project – casting on:

The Next Step – the purl stitch:

With the basic knit stitch (from the first video) and this simple purl stitch, you’ll have the essential tools you’ll need to create wonderful knitted projects!

Finishing Up – binding off:

Now grab your yarn and get practicing! I’ve been known to carry a ball of yarn in my purse to easily add a few more rows to simple squares throughout the week. Later, I put them all together into patchwork baby quilts. Great colorful project for practicing stitches!
And for fun – have you seen these giant chunky blankets and rugs floating around on Pinterest? I love them. Just think – with the skills you’ve learned from these videos, you could even make an eye-catching extra chunky afghan or area rug. Wouldn’t that be a conversation starter?

Are you ready? Ask any questions here in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them. Now get to it – teach yourself to knit!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/teach-yourself-to-knit/137068/feed/0Small Batch Pumpkin Cookie Dough Energy Bites (GF and Vegan)http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/small-batch-pumpkin-cookie-dough-energy-bites-gf-vegan/149039/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/small-batch-pumpkin-cookie-dough-energy-bites-gf-vegan/149039/#respondWed, 09 Nov 2016 20:03:40 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149039 Hands on those of you who love energy balls but who don’t actually need that much energy to fuel their mid-morning coffee breaks! Either because you are sitting at a desk all day (i.e. me) or because you can easily get addicted to those delicious sweet bites (i.e. also me). However, we still energy […]

Hands on those of you who love energy balls but who don’t actually need that much energy to fuel their mid-morning coffee breaks! Either because you are sitting at a desk all day (i.e. me) or because you can easily get addicted to those delicious sweet bites (i.e. also me). However, we still energy to fuel our (supposedly) intense intellectual effort, just in smaller quantities. This recipe is my go-to snack for revision time: it comes together in five minutes, it’s not excessively sweet and only makes enough bites to fuel your brain correctly! You can also double or tripe the recipe if you are not revising/working alone. Add in any extra ingredient you wish to (seeds and nuts are a good idea) and substitute coconut flour with almond/cashew powder to experiment a little!

Small Batch Pumpkin Cookie dough Energy Balls (GF and Vegan)

Ingredients

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

2 TBSP peanut butter

2 TBSP coconut flour

1 TBSP shreeded coconut

1/2 tsp vanilla powder (you might need to add more flour if you are using vanilla extract)

1 pinch pumpkin spice

1 pinch salt

2 TBSP chocolate chips

1 TBSP flax seeds

Instructions

Pulse the pumpkin puree and the peanut butter in a bowl of a food processor (or by hand) until smooth

Transfer the mixture to a small bowl, add the flour, coconut, salt and spices, comine with a wooden spoon until smooth

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/small-batch-pumpkin-cookie-dough-energy-bites-gf-vegan/149039/feed/0Thanksgiving Kids Craftshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/thanksgiving-kids-crafts/144341/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/thanksgiving-kids-crafts/144341/#respondTue, 08 Nov 2016 12:06:26 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=144341What are you thankful for? Your friends, family and home, sure. How about some crafts to keep the little ones busy during this Thanksgiving holiday? You can certainly be thankful for that! Your little Indians and Pilgrims can create these kid’s crafts just in time for Turkey Day! /1/ Handmade Turkey Leg Place Cards – […]

]]>What are you thankful for? Your friends, family and home, sure. How about some crafts to keep the little ones busy during this Thanksgiving holiday? You can certainly be thankful for that! Your little Indians and Pilgrims can create these kid’s crafts just in time for Turkey Day!

/2/ Turkey Yourself – Add your precious little one’s face to a handmade turkey. He’ll get a kick out of seeing himself with feathers!

/3/ Thanksgiving Place Mat – Does your house have a “kid’s table”? While the grown-ups are adding the finishing touches to all of the dishes, keep the little ones busy with a place mat they can color and play games on.

/4/ Extra Thankful Printable – Tell those around you that you are thankful for them, in a simple way. Even the smallest gesture goes a long way.

/5/ Don’t Eat Tom the Turkey Bingo – After dinner, while you’re waiting for the pumpkin pie, play a quick game of Don’t Eat Tom the Turkey Bingo. It’s big fun for all ages!

/6/ Hand Print Turkey Hat – I love a good hand print craft! What’s better than a turkey made from kid’s hand prints? A turkey HAT made from kid’s hand prints!

/7/ Paper Pilgrim Hat – Create a paper pilgrim hat or an Indian headdress for each of the children that will be attending your Thanksgiving dinner and have a short play performed for your crowd. Dinner and a show!

/8/ Mayflower Canvas Art – Teach the kids about the history of the Mayflower and make a cute Thanksgiving keepsake in the process. {another handprint craft!}

/9/ Gobble Gobble Turkey – Baby food jars are the perfect size for so many crafts. Take a look at these cute little turkeys. You can make these with your children, big or small!

/10/ Bohemian Fabric Feather Headdress – This craft may be a little too advanced for smaller children but, it was too precious for me not to share. Make them for your children or you could have an adult do the sewing and ironing and let the kids cut the feathers.

Which of these crafts will you make for your Thanksgiving Celebration? Tell us about it on our Facebook page or share a picture with us on Instagram.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/thanksgiving-kids-crafts/144341/feed/0A Perfect Dinner Party – for your Teen!http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/a-perfect-dinner-party-for-your-teen/149004/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/a-perfect-dinner-party-for-your-teen/149004/#respondSat, 05 Nov 2016 12:40:15 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=149004At a certain point, the themed birthday parties of grade school no longer fit the bill when you teen wants to celebrate a special day. It’s time to think outside the box. Why not help your teen throw a dinner party ? We’ve done this with great success and you can too. Here are […]

At a certain point, the themed birthday parties of grade school no longer fit the bill when you teen wants to celebrate a special day. It’s time to think outside the box. Why not help your teen throw a dinner party ?

We’ve done this with great success and you can too. Here are some basic guidelines for throwing a Teen Dinner Party.

Have the kids “dress up” – it’s a special night (or day) and teens love to show off their style, so encourage guests to dress up.

Decorations don’t have to be fancy. Simple white tablecloths, small flower arrangements, candles (battery operated), little holiday lights, and a pre set table all have a sense of grown-up elegance.

Splurge on “wow” for the appetizers but keep the main course full of easy kids favorites. We filled an appetizer table in the dining room with finger foods, a tray of sushi ordered from a grocery (you could also order from a restaurant), fresh fruit arranged like a peacock, cheeses, dips, bread, marinated mozzarella. This is the first impression your guests see when they arrive and as they mix and mingle – make sure snacks are easy to handle. Of course, you can play by ear but expect about 30-45 minutes of mingling before the main course.

The main course does not have to be fancy (or expensive). Macaroni and Cheese or pasta with marinara is a perfect main course – everyone loves it. Plus it will keep your budget in line. Add a big green salad, bread – you’re set. We set up a buffet line in the kitchen and had guests serve themselves. This is a good way to avoid a lot of waste. They are still kids with varying palates and appetites. Include your teen in all the food decisions if they are interested.

Beverages – Easy is best. Pitchers of water and/or bottles of sparkling cider. We created a beverage area in the room they ate dinner with glasses, ice and drinks so guests could serve themselves.

Shake it up! With a big group expected at our small house, we knew we needed an option. The dining room became the appetizer hub where all could mix and mingle before dinner. For dinner, we had cleared the living room of big pieces of furniture and set up tables for dining. If you are like us, the living room is the least used room in the house and I loved having it full of great fun and conversation. Borrow tables from friends if needed or check into a local rental company for tables and linens for rent. Chars can be an eclectic mix.

Party games. Teens are excellent at conversation and are happy just to hang out talking. You don’t need to worry about pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs. We made “conversation cards” – enough so that each guest would have one. After dinner, before cake, the birthday girl/hostess passed one to each guest and they took turns reading a question out loud and fielding answers. “What person from history would you most like to meet”?, “What is your earliest memory”? etc There are lots of resources online to find questions if you need help coming up with some.

You are the catering staff! This is your teen’s party, no need for Mom and Dad to be in the mix of guests. We dressed in all black and performed the duties of catering staff – making sure tables have what they need, clearing plates, refilling the ice bucket. etc. I enjoyed throwing a fun party without having to be the “host”, just making sure details were buttoned up.

Do what fits your style. A dinner party is a fun way for kids to feel grown-up and for you to throw a party that will stay in budget. You might also consider a lunch or brunch set up in a special way. Have fun!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/a-perfect-dinner-party-for-your-teen/149004/feed/0Thanksgiving Meal Planhttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/thanksgiving-meal-plan-2/105033/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/thanksgiving-meal-plan-2/105033/#respondFri, 04 Nov 2016 12:28:29 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=105033Thanksgiving is almost here and it’s time to start preparing your meal plan. No time? No problem! I have an entire meal plan prepared for you. Appetizers: Pumpkin Puree – Use these tips and add pumpkin puree to different dishes for a fun twist. For example, stir some pumpkin puree into prepared hummus to make a […]

Thanksgiving is almost here and it’s time to start preparing your meal plan. No time? No problem! I have an entire meal plan prepared for you.

Appetizers:

Pumpkin Puree – Use these tips and add pumpkin puree to different dishes for a fun twist. For example, stir some pumpkin puree into prepared hummus to make a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer. Serve with warm pita bread.

Cheese and Soup – Use these tips to prepare the perfect cheese platter, make sure you take a look at the suggestion for preparing a Thanksgiving appetizer by pairing Camembert with butternut squash soup.

Entrees:

Turkey – This turkey sounds delicious and will need to cook for around 6 hours and then sit for approximately 15 minutes before carving. Alternatively, you can try these step by step directions for the perfect turkey which includes instructions for adding stuffing too.

Sides:

Gravy – using the pan from the delicious turkey recipe above and a few extra ingredients, this gravy can be whipped up while the turkey is sitting aside.

Mac and Cheese – This delicious mac and cheese recipe will require about 40 minutes of oven time. Alternatively, if your oven is full, make a slow cooker mac and cheese instead. This frees up the oven for reheating and baking other dishes.

Green Beans – This recipe takes approximately 5 minutes to prep, and 10 minutes to cook in a covered pan on the stove. You can have this cooking while you are preparing the gravy and reheating or warm dishes in the oven.

Corn – boil frozen corn. Once cooked toss with a nice big slice of butter. You can make this ahead of time, refrigerate and then reheat once ready to serve.

Cranberry Sauce – This is my own recipe for cranberry sauce and takes about 10 minutes to cook.

Buttermilk Biscuits – Bake these biscuits ahead of time (they take approximately 15 minutes), then re-heat once the turkey is out of the oven.

Desserts:

Miniature Gingersnap Pumpkin Pies – you will want to make these earlier in the day, approximately 1 hour before the turkey is due to go in the oven. If your Thanksgiving meal will be for lunch, then make these the night before.

Pomegranate Mousse (a delicious alternative for those who don’t like pumpkin pie) – serve in small glasses, jars or glass dishes. Can be made in the morning and kept refrigerated until time to serve (need to be refrigerated for minimum 1 hour).

Pumpkin Ice Cream – can be made a day in advance. Leave in the freezer until ready to serve. Add a bowl of Fall colored sprinkles with a spoon for the kids.

Serve dessert with a Pumpkin Pie Lattes. These can be made to order after dinner has been finished.

Tip: Don’t forget to check that your salt and pepper shakers are full. You can do this the day before.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/thanksgiving-meal-plan-2/105033/feed/05 Things you can do now to have your most Organized Thanksgiving EVER!http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-now-to-have-your-most-organized-thanksgiving-ever/147163/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-now-to-have-your-most-organized-thanksgiving-ever/147163/#respondThu, 03 Nov 2016 16:15:30 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=147163Over the past few years I have offered a “Virtual Organizing” Bootcamp on my blog. This year we thought we’d feature some of our favorite “missions” with you for FREE so that you could enjoy being organized this Holiday Season. Starting with Thanksgiving, here are a few of our suggestions to get on top/stay on […]

]]>Over the past few years I have offered a “Virtual Organizing” Bootcamp on my blog. This year we thought we’d feature some of our favorite “missions” with you for FREE so that you could enjoy being organized this Holiday Season. Starting with Thanksgiving, here are a few of our suggestions to get on top/stay on top of things this year:

Mission: Clean out the spice cupboard

Go through your spice cupboard and pantry and make a list of everything you will need for holiday baking. Make sure to toss anything that is passed its prime.

Things to double check:

Baking powder expiration date (on bottom of the can)

Toss spices that are older than:

Whole spices – 4 years

Ground Spices: 2-3 years

Leafy Herbs: 1-3 years

Let your nose be your guide!

Don’t forget flour, sugar, and vanilla!

When I first heard how fast spices go bad, I was amazed! When doing this project, please remember to have your shopping list handy so that you write down what you’ve thrown out so that you aren’t caught without your chili powder on Super Bowl Sunday (GASP)!

Mission: Make or double check holiday travel arrangements

I learned this the hard way one Christmas, it’s no fun when you realize that your flight leaves in 30 minutes and you’re still home… I’d missed an automated phone call the airline made a few months earlier so from now on I always double (and sometimes triple) check the day before to make sure everything is confirmed and we’re ready to go.

Don’t forget to check all of your reservations:

Hotel, car rental, plane & train reservations

I suggest that you make all of your reservations at the same time when booking a trip. You’ll be “in the zone” and sometimes you can get a better deal when you book flights/cars/hotels together. It’s worth looking into. Also, when flying during the Holidays or in the Winter I think it’s a good idea to consider purchasing insurance so that you are protected in case of weather or anything that can go wrong during such a busy time.

Not traveling this holiday?

Clean out your front hall & donate any unworn coats, hats & gloves to the needy. This way you will have plenty of room for guests coats in your closet which is where they belong (rather than stashing them on an upstairs bed or couch in an unused corner somewhere).

Purchase new hangers if necessary.

I always thought it was cool how my Mom had “special” hangars in the front hall closet. If you need to purchase some go to a store like Bed Bath & Beyond and see what kind you might like… it will be a fun field trip!

Mission: Polish and count all flatware and serving items

Clean and polish all silver, and count all place settings of flatware, plates, and glasses (to make sure you have enough for Holiday entertaining).

Fast tip: Line your sink with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Place all silver on foil (not touching each other), and cover with baking soda. Add hot soapy water and let sit for five minutes (or until tarnish is removed). You can also add white vinegar to speed up the process. It’s like a science experiment right in your own kitchen & this process really works and I love the fact that it gets the tarnish off the tough nooks & crannies that are difficult to polish by hand.

Polishing silver is one of those “old school” tasks that might not be your favorite, but it’s certainly a rewarding one. Seeing your silver all shiny and polished is such a satisfying feeling, just focus on that and you’ll be done before you know it!

Mission: Clean out the refrigerator

Remove five items from the fridge that are passed their prime.

Some of the obvious suspects:

Salad dressings

Leftovers

Salsa

Mayonnaise

Back of the fruit / veggie drawer

Pickles, olives, relish

** Bonus Points: Wipe down the shelves & the fridge door.

This task just feels good all over every time you open the refrigerator door & you’ll want it looking good for the guests that might pitch in while you are entertaining. Not only that but you want to have room for any leftovers that you’ll want to stash for later too.

Mission: Clean the oven(s)

Set your self-cleaning oven today.

Don’t have a self-cleaning oven (or hate the burning smell?)

Check your local supermarket cleaning aisle – oven cleaners have come a long way! They are even making oven cleaners specifically for self-cleaning ovens (and they work great…)

Check your Firewood & Ice melt supply so that you are stocked up and ready should the holiday be a white one.

A clean oven is almost as satisfying as a clean fridge (but you knew that already). You don’t want to be cooking or baking this season and have something that spilled in the oven weeks prior messing up the comforting smell of your fresh sugar cookies! Also, be sure to get a few bundles of firewood and ice melt too so that you’re ready in case there is an early snow day and the kids are home from school!

One year when we lived in Texas my Grandma Meek came to visit with her elderly sister during an ice storm. They were unable to drive up the hill because of the ice so my Mom came up with a brilliant plan: they got her golf shoes out & put them on our elderly guests so that they had traction on the ice. In case you don’t have ice melt on hand keep this in mind if you’ve got any golf shoes lying around!

I’m working on Part II of this post for the Christmas/Hanukah season so please keep an eye out for it. As with any organizing project if you break it down into manageable pieces you’ll find that it isn’t so overwhelming after all. Doing a few things early on (like polishing the silver) can help ease your mind & will allow you to focus on food & finishing touches once the big day arrives.

I hope you found this helpful, what are your favorite projects to get ready to entertain?

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/5-things-you-can-do-now-to-have-your-most-organized-thanksgiving-ever/147163/feed/0Decorating For Thanksgiving: Outdoor Decor For Your Homehttp://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/decorating-for-thanksgiving-outdoor-decor-for-your-home/129615/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/decorating-for-thanksgiving-outdoor-decor-for-your-home/129615/#respondThu, 03 Nov 2016 10:47:54 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=129615Spruce up the outside of your home for your Thanksgiving guests; rom your front walk to your back yard, extending your holiday decor to the exterior is a wonderful way to add a celebratory air to the season.

]]>Thanksgiving often means getting together with friends and loved ones to share the spirit of the season together…plans are made, meals prepared, experiences shared. In honor of this we often pull out the special dishes and decorate our homes with festive fall accessories. But don’t stop there! Why not spruce up the outside of your home for your Thanksgiving guests? From your front walk to your back yard, extending your holiday decor to the exterior is a wonderful way to add a celebratory air to the season. Need some inspiration? Done! I’ve found some great examples online to ignite your imagination!

Starting at the walkway, how adorable are these potted mums? Using pumpkins for a planter is clever and screams autumn harvest. What an adorable way to greet your guests.

Let Mother Nature do the work for you! Some may think this is deferred maintenance, but I love the graphic look of the orange leaves on the dark wooden steps. The color palette is perfect for the season, and it’s easy peasy! Just add a couple of coordinating pumpkins (note how there is balance with two small pumpkins on one side and one larger on on the other). Of course, you have to make sure your guests don’t slip on the way to your front door!

Yay for Mother Nature!

Go overgourd! Decorate your front or back porch with a large array of pumpkins and gourds in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures. Tuck them into wooden crates, place them on chairs or tables, and scatter them along the floor. As in the photo below, an flowering accent in a bright red makes the entire arrangement really pop!

Go overgourd!

Add some pizzazz to your porch decor with these little pumpkins carved into votives…tucked into a shallow wooden crate amongst some textural fruits or veggies in a contrasting hue and you’ve got instant drama that is sure to put a smile on the face of your Thanksgiving guests.

MIni votives from mini pumpkins!

If you live in a mild climate, consider taking your meal outdoors. Even if the entire meal can’t be outside, begin with finger appetizers and coffee in the fresh air. It reminds people of the bounty of the harvest season, and helps connect with the history of the Thanksgiving holiday. Set the tone by setting the table with your fine china (it’s as safe outdoors as it is inside!) and accent the tablescape with warm autumnal colors and real and ceramic pumpkins as in this lovely image below.

From walking up to your home, to looking out the windows and seeing the colors and themes of Thanksgiving adorning your exterior spaces, the sentiments of the Thanksgiving season deserve to be highlighted inside and out!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/home-bliss/decorating-for-thanksgiving-outdoor-decor-for-your-home/129615/feed/010 Back to School Social Skills Lessonshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/10-back-school-social-skills-lessons/146475/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/10-back-school-social-skills-lessons/146475/#respondSat, 29 Oct 2016 13:21:52 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=146475Is your child ready to make a great first impression at school this year? Don’t let technology take over your child’s social skills and manners. These vital life skills are the foundation of kindness and respect and making others feel comfortable. We all want our child to be THAT child – noticed for all the […]

]]>Is your child ready to make a great first impression at school this year?

Don’t let technology take over your child’s social skills and manners. These vital life skills are the foundation of kindness and respect and making others feel comfortable. We all want our child to be THAT child – noticed for all the right reasons!

Here are ten important lessons to prep your kids to get an “A” in social skills this year! Inspire social skills learning through play and doing. Don’t just tell your kids how to behave, challenge them and encourage them to practice! These simple lessons will lead you and your child in a collaborative effort to bring back a little civility to a new generation.

Lesson #1: Make a Great First Impression –Handle yourself with good manners and you will leave a good impression. You only get one chance to make a great first impression so make it BIG! Your appearance, the way you present yourself and the way you communicate will contribute to the first impression.

Game Challenge: Ask your child to think of five great plays to make a good first impression. Here’s your chance to role play different situations – meeting a new teacher, a new friend, first day at a new activity etc.

Lesson #2: Be Tactful – Have tact! See the positive instead of focusing on the negative. Teach your children the ability to be honest but to use words that don’t hurt the other person’s feelings. By emphasizing the positive you can provide tactfully honest answers that don’t upset anyone.

Game Challenge: Play the ‘Do You Have Tact’ game. Challenge your family to draw a self-portrait in five minutes. Then everyone has to give one nice compliment about the drawing. Emphasize the importance of making other’s feel good.

Lesson #3: Walk the Walk – Stand tall and straight to look confident. How many times do you see your children slouching? Practice good posture on a daily basis.

Game Challenge: The Great Balancing Act. Walk across the room balancing a book on your head. Stand up straight with your head held high and shoulders back. Who can walk the farthest and straightest with the book? Emphasize the difference how they look slouching versus standing tall.

Lesson #4: Acknowledge the presence of another person – Begin with the basics: hello, eye contact and shaking someone’s hand. Eye contact shows respect, interest and care, and that you appreciate what is being said. Always stand tall and straight and reach out your hand and give a firm shake to adults. And please, put away the technology when someone enters a room!

Game Challenge:Ask your child to shake someone’s hand today. Use great eye contact and a quick but firm hand shake.

Lesson #5: Learn how to answer and use phone etiquette– According to AT&T, most kids today write texts instead of using the good old fashioned phone. Simple phone skills are becoming a lost art. Answer the phone with proper greetings and politely hand over the phone. Always take good messages. And identify yourself and call during appropriate times when making a call.

Game Challenge:Create a ‘cheat sheet’ for your child on telephone reminders – how to call, answer, respond, take a message, handle a wrong number and end a call. Then have them practice by calling a friend or a family member.

Lesson #6: Be a gracious host or guest. The best way to have fun at playdates and parties is to learn how to be a good host and guest. A host makes people feel welcome and comfortable. A guest should be respectful and follow the rules.

Game Challenge:Make a list with your child on ways to be a gracious host or guest. Have them invite a friend and practice being a gracious host.

Lesson #7 – Take the time to write a thoughtful thank you note. A little note can make such a difference. The purpose of a note is to let a person know how much his or her generosity and kindness are appreciated.

Game Challenge:Ask your child to write a thank you note to a coach, a teacher, friend, family member etc. Too often we only write thank you notes for a gift – why not go above and beyond?

Lesson #8 – Commitment is a promise that you must follow through. Commitment means doing what needs to be done regardless of your talents or your mood. Even if you are sad, mad, tired or if something better comes along you still need to follow through on a commitment.

Game Challenge:Come up with a family commitment slogan (For example: Finish what you’ve started. Winners never quit. If at first you don’t succeed, try again etc.)

Lesson #9 – The meaning of character! Character is made up our values and our decisions. It is who we are when no one is looking.

Game Challenge:Encourage your child to come up with some examples how they can act with great character.

Lesson #10 – Practice good sportsmanship – Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect.

Game Challenge:Challenge your child to display great sportsmanship at his or her next game. Make a point to discuss what he did or could have done after his game.

Will you still shudder at the thought of how your kids behave at school when you’re not watching? Probably. But one lesson at a time will help lead them to the path of confidence, life-long happiness and success. For more ideas on manner and social skill lessons and challenges, please visit www.thesmartplaybook.com. Here’s a complimentary
SMART Social Skills Game Board (1003 downloads)
to play with your child. Your child has to complete the challenges. Good luck!

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/10-back-school-social-skills-lessons/146475/feed/0Skillet S’mores Mini Dessert Recipehttp://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/skillet-smores/139981/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/skillet-smores/139981/#commentsSat, 29 Oct 2016 11:45:04 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=139981When you can’t swing a bonfire or face the mess of traditional s’mores, these skillet s’mores are the perfectly portioned desserts. Whether you want to make them during the middle of the heat of summer or in the dead of winter, this mini dessert is easy to whip up and will satisfy those cravings. Use […]

When you can’t swing a bonfire or face the mess of traditional s’mores, these skillet s’mores are the perfectly portioned desserts. Whether you want to make them during the middle of the heat of summer or in the dead of winter, this mini dessert is easy to whip up and will satisfy those cravings.

Use the graham crackers to dip into the marshmallows and melted chocolate. This gives you all the S’mores yumminess with the chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers together, without a bonfire! Brilliant!

Mini Skillet S’mores

In an oven safe container (I used mini skillets), line the bottom with chocolate chips.

Broil in the oven until melted (this shouldn’t take long and don’t leave it in too long, you don’t want it to burn). Shake the container side to side to evenly coat the bottom of the container with the melted chocolate.

Place an even layer of marshmallows on top.4. Broil in the oven until puffed and golden brown.

]]>http://blissfullydomestic.com/food-bliss/skillet-smores/139981/feed/115 Fabulous Digital Photo Giftshttp://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/15-fabulous-digital-photo-gifts/146951/
http://blissfullydomestic.com/featured/15-fabulous-digital-photo-gifts/146951/#respondThu, 27 Oct 2016 14:24:06 +0000http://blissfullydomestic.com/?p=146951 Whether you are looking for a gift for your favorite Photographer or your Grandparents who have absolutely everything our picks should help you see all the fabulous options available that are not only fun but practical too! Personalized Pillows These pillows are so cute & definitely something I hadn’t seen before. They would […]

Whether you are looking for a gift for your favorite Photographer or your Grandparents who have absolutely everything our picks should help you see all the fabulous options available that are not only fun but practical too!

These pillows are so cute & definitely something I hadn’t seen before. They would be a great addition to your family room couch or that of your Parent’s & Grandparents too. The baby pillow could be a sweet addition to the nursery or a great “welcome to the world” gift.

This is a long-time favorite of my family in particular. This is something that I give my brother & sister as well as my parents and nieces and nephews every year for Christmas. You are able to upload your photos and can add specific special dates to the calendar as well so no one misses a birthday ever again!

Back in the 80’s I remember my brother hitting the ski slopes with the camera on his shoulder and the VHS tape setup in a backpack. This is a definite “space age” gadget to me given how we grew up, but it’s just amazing how great these cameras are and how easy they are to use. Capture all of your family adventures on this little gizmo & upload & share them on line in a snap!

This would be a fun family gift or just a great idea for those busy Mom’s and Grandmothers out there. How fun to take this to a meeting & show off your organizational style while getting props for your adorable kiddos! They would also be great client gifts too if you wanted to upload your logo or a specific message, endless possibilities!

I used to enjoy scrapbooking & then discovered the ease of digital albums. Instead of cluttering up my dining room table for weeks on end I can start/stop my digital albums when I’m able to sneak some time to work on them. The backgrounds and layouts are fun and give me endless inspiration for new and fresh ideas.

I’ve always loved seeing these at friend’s houses & I actually have one from a photo shoot of my dog. When we do a new family photo I would like to order one of these for us as a fun alternative to the classic photo & frame option.

Last Christmas my Father purchased a Drone & we had a blast playing with it up at our Family Farm in Michigan. There are many different variations and price options but no matter what this is sure to please the inner nerd in all of us!

I noticed one of these when I was at a sorority gathering last weekend & thought it was so cute. We have our “big girl camera” and it’s got the standard boring strap but this would be fun to have on it while we are on the sidelines or capturing the crowd during a game, what a great way to express your personality in a unique way!

This was something I hadn’t seen before and I think these are SO cute! They would be a great addition to the kids bathroom with fun photos or adventures posted (seeing pictures of themselves might encourage the kids to clean up a little more often – fingers crossed). They would also be a darling wedding gift too, what an adorable and unique idea for that special new couple.

I remember my Mom getting a picture puzzle as a thank you gift many years ago and it’s a family favorite. These options are fun “updated” ideas to the same concept. I especially like the collage on the right as a thank you gift or possibly a fun way to relive family memories from an adventure.

I’m seeing these mobile cases more and more often anymore and I love them! Expressing your unique style or sharing them with a Grandparent is a fun idea too. They are a great gift for Mom’s or even a special birthday gift too!

Along with the shower curtains this is another option I’d never considered before doing some “research” for this project, how fun! There are holiday wrapping paper options as well & would make the need for a gift tag totally unnecessary. I think this is a unique idea for the photographer in your life & I don’t think the reaction of the one receiving your gift would ever get old!

This is another great wedding gift or just a snuggly way to share your family memories. These are fleece throws that I’ve chosen, but there is also a cotton option on Shutterfly as well. Either one you choose I’m sure that you will bring your family closer (especially when it’s chilly out)!

This is a sweet idea for a gift for either a housewarming, wedding or maybe even a graduation gift too. Keeping this on the front hall table as a catch-all is a great idea or maybe for your favorite college student to have on her dresser. Personalize with the name or images and let your imagination go!

This is a lovely option to the classic photo & frame combination. These wooden wall panels are a dressy and unique way to share family memories in an updated medium.

Do you have an upcoming Family Reunion, Adventure or Photo Shoot? I hope some of these fun suggestions might help you decide some of the many options out there to display your photos once they are produced. Enjoy!

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